Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Mar 14: After securing only three seats in the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections, Utpal Parrikar on Friday said the outcome was not what his panel had expected but assured that efforts to engage with citizens and raise issues concerning the city would continue.

Utpal, son of former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, contested the elections with the Ami Panjekar panel backed by the Indian National Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party.

“I sincerely thank every voter who supported the Ami Panjekar panel and believed in our vision for a better Panaji. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to our candidates, volunteers and supporters who worked tirelessly over the past weeks with honesty, dedication and deep love for our city,” Utpal said.

He said the panel would analyse the results, noting that they had expected to win at least 10 wards. “Delimitation and last-minute reservation of wards could be some of the reasons for losing the election,” he said.

Utpal added that the campaign was not only about winning seats but about encouraging discussions on the future of Panaji.

“It was about bringing citizens together to talk about the future of Panaji — about better planning, transparency and accountable governance that truly puts people first,” he said.

Congratulating the winning candidates, Utpal expressed hope that they would fulfil their promises with commitment for the welfare and progress of the city.

“My commitment to Panaji does not end with this election. We will continue to engage with citizens, raise issues that matter and work constructively to address the challenges our city faces,” he said.

He added that public life is a long journey with both victories and setbacks but the intention to serve must remain constant.